If there’s one filmmaker who knows his way around the genre of horror, it’s Quentin Tarantino. The mastermind behind ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Kill Bill’ has often shared his deep admiration for the world of terror-filled cinema. Surprisingly, of all the haunting films he’s seen, it’s a classic Disney animation that left the most lasting impression on him—Bambi.
In his book “Cinema Speculation,” Tarantino describes the impact of ‘Bambi’ as profoundly traumatic. He recounts the infamous scene where Bambi loses his mother to a hunter, followed by a devastating forest fire. According to Tarantino, nothing he saw in movies matched this until Wes Craven’s 1972 horror film, ‘The Last House on the Left.’ Such a comparison from a director known for his intense, often violent films, marks a stark and fascinating perspective.
Tarantino elaborates on the raw, emotional turmoil he experienced as a child watching ‘Bambi.’ The film, featuring the young deer and his friends Thumper and Flower, was marketed with its charming woodland antics. However, the sudden and tragic death of Bambi’s mother was a narrative twist that left young Tarantino utterly unprepared, shaking him to his core.
In a candid expression, Tarantino admits that Bambi’s loss has been “messing up children for decades.” This sentiment resonates with the countless audiences who first encountered the concepts of loss and death through this poignant Disney classic.
Acknowledging the stark contrast between the film’s light-hearted opening and its dark turn, Tarantino underscores how misleading marketing heightened the scene’s emotional impact. The sudden shift from joy to grief left a lasting scar on his five-year-old psyche.
So, what do you think? Has a seemingly harmless movie ever left you feeling unexpectedly disturbed? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to share this story with your fellow Disney fans!
Sources: [Far Out Magazine](https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/horrifying-disney-movie-quentin-tarantino-last-house-on-the-left/)
